NHL players can go home, must self-quarantine through March 27

The NHL has changed its policy regarding player travel while the season remains paused due to the coronavirus.

Players are now allowed to return home to locations outside of their club's home city, including outside of North America if flights are available, the league announced Monday. However, they need to self-quarantine through March 27, unless a longer period is necessary due to local travel mandates.

After the self-quarantine period, the NHL will consider allowing clubs to open their facilities to players in small groups for training and care "on the same basis as in the offseason."

On Sunday night, the CDC advised against gatherings of 50-plus people for the next eight weeks. The NHL said Monday that it will aim to provide guidance on the possibility of opening training camps about 45 days into that timetable.

Monday's decision differs from the league's original stance, announced three days prior. In a memo sent to players Friday, the NHL reportedly instructed them to self-quarantine in their club cities while avoiding travel.

The move mirrors a similar shift in the NBA. That league reportedly sent a memo to its players Sunday detailing travel policies allowing them to go outside their teams' home markets after consulting with their organization.